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Mycological Survey of Chicken Feed and Some Feed Ingredients in Turkey
Dilek Heperkan1, Íhsan Alperden1
1TUBITAK, Marmara Scientific and Industrial Research Institute, Nutrition and Food Technology Department, P.O.Box 21, 41401 Gebze/Kocaeli TURKEY.
Abstract:
Level of mold contamination and mycoflora were determined for 144 mixed feed and feed ingredients, including corn, sunflower cake, soja cake, meat and bone meal, and fish meal. Four samples were found to be free of mold. Among the feed samples examined, the mold count has been found to be low (102 to 103 colonies/g) for fish meal, high (104 to 105 colonies/g) for meat-bone meal and sunflower cake, and extremely high (more than 105 colonies/g) for soja cake, corn and mixed feed. The predominant flora in the feed samples consisted of Penicillium , Aspergillus , Fusarium , Mucor and Eurotium , respectively. The most frequently encountered species was found to be Penicillium aurantiogriseum , followed by Aspergillus flavus .
Insights
Mold contamination in animal feed varies significantly, with high levels found in corn and soy. Penicillium and Aspergillus species were the most prevalent fungi identified in the study.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Mycology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Mold contamination in animal feed poses a significant risk to animal health and food safety.
- Understanding the mycoflora composition is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mold contamination levels in various feed ingredients and mixed feeds.
- To identify the predominant fungal species present in contaminated samples.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 144 samples of mixed feed and feed ingredients (corn, sunflower cake, soja cake, meat and bone meal, fish meal).
- Quantification of mold counts (colonies/g).
- Identification of fungal genera and species.
Main Results:
- Four samples were mold-free; others showed varying contamination levels.
- Fish meal had low mold counts (10^2-10^3 colonies/g).
- Meat-bone meal and sunflower cake had high counts (10^4-10^5 colonies/g).
- Soja cake, corn, and mixed feed exhibited extremely high counts (>10^5 colonies/g).
- Predominant genera included Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, and Eurotium.
- Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Aspergillus flavus were the most frequent species.
Conclusions:
- Significant mold contamination exists in various animal feed components.
- Corn, soja cake, and mixed feeds are particularly vulnerable to high fungal loads.
- Specific fungal species like Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Aspergillus flavus are common contaminants, necessitating further investigation into their toxicological impact.